GCH Productions - Grace Watson, Chene Harris, and Hunter Look
24 February 2020Media Studies
Preliminary Task 1 - Planning
•
Grace Watson
Pre-production
- Brainstorm
- Script
- Talent
- Filming equipment organisation
- Film schedules
Production
- Lighting/Fleccie
- Actors
Post-production
- Lighting adjustments as necessary
- Video/Audio FX
- Logo
Chene Harris
Pre-production
- Shot list
- Location Recce
- Weather check for filming days
- Callsheets
Production
- Audio operator
- Location shot setup
Post-production
- Continuity, 180 degree rule, match-on-action
- Background music/diegetic sound levels/mixing levels
- Titles
Hunter Look
Pre-production
- Storyboard
- Early technical decisions for effect, revise storyboard as necessary
- Props and costumes sourcing
Production
- Equipment final check
- Camera operator
- Director/Time-keeper
Post-production
- Evidence of pre-production planning and production processes
- Cast and crew list.
- Basic plot on timeline
ALL THREE OF US
Post-production
- Gaps
- Treatment explanation for the above
Brainstorm:
Grace Watson
Rationale:
Grace Watson
The scene will begin with a black screen as the titles of “GCH Prouductions • Close Shave” slowly appear. Before the scene has even begun, the viewer is already intrigued by what is meant by a “Close Shave”?! The black screen will fade away, and the opening shot, a wide shot of Rattler reaching towards a door (mise-en-scène), will fade-in (transition - editing). This specific transition will match the slower atmosphere created by the slow forming titles at the beginning, and will be reinforced later by different conventions to come (such as the humming, and slow, slow, slow walking of Rattler) that also carry an eeriness.
There is no music at this point. All that can be heard is the loud knocking on the door (diegetic sound) that only sounds so loud and abrasive because of how silent everything else is. However, the viewer is still not completely fearful or distraught at this stage, as nothing of significant worry has happened just yet.
The following shot will be a match-on-action shot (first technical requirement) of Rattler opening and stepping through the door, and closing it behind him. He will then walk toward the mirror ahead, a track shot will follow him doing so, and both the second character, Scar, and more of the location, a workshop, will be revealed to the viewer. The over-the-shoulder shot of Rattler looking at and examining his “beard” (non-existent) and reflection in the mirror placed on the workshop counter allows the viewer to see matters his own perspective. This shot also reveals Scar in the background reflection (mise-en-scène), as he prepares the hair cutting station for the shave to come. The barber equipment of scissors, a razor blade, shaving cream etc., pictured around him, all symbolise Scar as being a barber. Rattler doesn’t actually have any facial hair, and his hair is already nearly cut. He appears to be an unintentional character, reinforced by his being at a barber, when there is no hair to cut. His unintentional character look and his plain, straight face reveal how he is completely unaware of what it to happen to him. It’s ironic that both Scar and Rattler’s hair is short and shaved - neither appearing to need a haircut.
These shots will also reveal more of Scar and Rattler’s clothing. Clothing is often a symbol of background, occupation and wealth. Both men will be wearing dark blacks, blues and reds. Their clothes will be oversized and baggy, revealing how the men are affiliated with a gang. The colours of black and red represent death and blood, both activities that intense gangsters are heavily involved in.
It’s ironic that both Scar and Rattler’s hair is short and shaved - neither appearing to need a haircut.
The above shots also reveal the location. A workshop is supposed to be a place where wood is used for woodwork, where large structures are built, cars are fixed, boxes are packed etc. It is not supposed to be a barber. The ironic location immediately highlights a sense of strangeness. Perhaps they are involved in questionable activities, and hence would need to have their hair cut in hidden, secret and unpredictable places, such as the workshop, once again gang references.
During his walk toward the mirror, all that can be heard is the non-diegetic sound of Rattler’s footsteps, accompanied by the diegetic sound of Scar preparing the station by opening, clicking, rearranging and organising the workspace for the haircut. Everything else is still completely silent.
The silence and lack of dialogue will build up suspense as to why the actors have not greeted each other and why they both appear to be involved in gang behaviour. The viewer begins to question how healthy their relationship and their involvements are.
Up until this point, the viewer has been in a series of asking questions. Why in a workshop? Why so silent? Why so gangster-like? etc.
Close-ups of Scar and then Rattler respectively will reveal Scar motioning for Rattler to take a seat, still no sound. This will be an example of shot-reverse-shot (second technical requirement) and will once again emphasise the silence, and thereby the coldness of the scene. Where usually a barber is friendly and welcoming, their salon homely and warm, this barber is literally speechless, and he works from a cold workshop. The close-ups of the cell phone as it rings on the counter will highlight it's importance. The gun and the shank, surrounded by blood stains, will be seen on the floor below the counter. Both are symbols of death and murder, and will link with the phone call's conversation. he extreme-close-up of Scar's eyes and forehead as he hears what Ice, on the other end of the call has to say, will emphasize the terror of the situation, not only to the audience, but to him as well. His facial expression mimics the feeling of terror and worry within the viewer.
Close-ups of Scar and then Rattler respectively will reveal Scar motioning for Rattler to take a seat, still no sound. This will be an example of shot-reverse-shot (second technical requirement) and will once again emphasise the silence, and thereby the coldness of the scene. Where usually a barber is friendly and welcoming, their salon homely and warm, this barber is literally speechless, and he works from a cold workshop. The close-ups of the cell phone as it rings on the counter will highlight it's importance. The gun and the shank, surrounded by blood stains, will be seen on the floor below the counter. Both are symbols of death and murder, and will link with the phone call's conversation. he extreme-close-up of Scar's eyes and forehead as he hears what Ice, on the other end of the call has to say, will emphasize the terror of the situation, not only to the audience, but to him as well. His facial expression mimics the feeling of terror and worry within the viewer.
The lighting of the workshop is dim and dark. There is no light coming in from outside. This is ideal as it will compliment and mimic the fact that what is about to happen is dark and disgusting (murdering someone with a razor blade!!!). To depict Scar as being the character who has an upper hand and superiority, he, one, is in a standing position, whereas Rattler is motioned to take a seat, and, two, high-key lighting will be used to illuminate his character at some points in the scene, attracting the viewers' attention to his character and role and to what he may do.
Whilst Scar places his phone back on the table, Rattler will be heard humming a joyous song in the background. This humming will spark a sense of eeriness, as it will be the first sound other than the one sentence said on the phone-call amidst all of the silence. By now, the audience would've gotten used to the silence, and so the gradual increase in the sound of the humming, may creep them out, yet another convention. Because the audience knows what was said on the phone call, which Rattler does not, they may begin worrying for him and his life, and his humming may make them feel uncomfortable.
In the final few seconds of the scene, Scar will advise Rattler to "Close his eyes" to avoid soap in the eye. Suspense will be built through the building up of non-diegetic music made my drums and piano as Scar slowly but surely moves the razorblade closer and closer towards Rattler's neck, before suddenly, the music comes to an immediate and dramatic halt as the camera blacks out and all is finished. The black of the blackout resemble the death which has just occurred, and leaves the viewer in a state of shock and immense suspense.
Throughout filming, the filming team will ensure to stick to the 180 degree rule (third technical requirement).
Script:
Grace Watson
—
FADE IN:
THE BARBER’S WORKING AREA – DAY
ON A WARM SUMMERS DAY OUTSIDE, THREE YOUNG MEN REMAIN INVOLVED IN SHADY, COLD, DARK AND DISTATEFUL BUSINESS.
FADE IN:
ENTERING THE BARBER AREA FOR A HAIRCUT AND SHAVE – DAY
RATTLER, a questionable character, with a gangster style implying him to be a gangster sort of character, involved in shady business, enters the barber area for a haircut and shave.
Scar prepares the station for the haircut and shave whilst Rattler walks toward the mirror and observes his facial hair and then walks toward the station for the haircut.
(standing at the station opposite Rattler)
RATTLER
(Takes a seat)
SCAR
(still preparing)
The cell-phone RINGS. Scar goes to—
THE EQUIPMENT TABLE - DAY
And answers the cell-phone without saying anything.
DARK CORRIDOR - DAY
A FIGURE walks along a dark corridor, cell-phone pressed to his ear.
VOICE
(over the phone)
Scar. Change of plan. Abort the mission. End him.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
SCAR
(turns his head away from RATTLER to prevent him overhearing the conversation, nods)
VOICE
(over the phone)
You heard me. Now. Or you’re next. Don’t mess around!
Eetswa lad.
(puts cell-phone down, continues walking)
THE BARBER’S WORKING AREA - DAY
SCAR puts cell-phone on the equipment table, begins preparing razor.
RATTLER is heard humming in the background. (only sound)
SCAR
Close your eyes now Rattler, let’s avoid soap in the eye.
(both laugh/chuckle and RATTLER closes his eyes.)
SCAR will begin moving sharp razor blade towards RATTLER’S throat, before slitting it.
QUICK CUT TO BLACK
==========================
Script:
[ INITIAL SCRIPT BEFORE HANGES]
Grace Watson
—
FADE IN:
THE BARBER’S WORKING AREA – DAY
ON A WARM SUMMERS DAY OUTSIDE, THREE YOUNG MEN REMAIN INVOLVED IN SHADY, COLD, DARK AND DISTATEFUL BUSINESS.
FADE IN:
ENTERING THE BARBER AREA FOR A HAIRCUT AND SHAVE – DAY
RATTLER, a questionable character, with a gangster style implying him to be one, enters the barber area for a haircut and shave.
RATTLER
Yo, howzit?
RATTLER
Keen to chop this facial hair. Ready to kill this dog. Jake’s been
‘round talking smack for tooooo long.
(as Scar speaks, he prepares the station for the haircut.
As Rattler speaks, he walks toward the mirror and observes his facial hair and then walks toward the station for the haircut.)
SCAR
(standing at the station opposite Rattler)
Yo, let’s get you prepped. Take a seat, lad.
RATTLER
(Takes a seat)
Yoo. Hyped.
The cell-phone RINGS. Scar goes to—
THE EQUIPMENT TABLE
And answers the cell-phone.
SCAR
What's goodie?
DARK CORRIDOR - DAY
A FIGURE walks along a dark corridor, cell-phone pressed to his ear.
VOICE
(over the phone)
Scar. Change of plan. Abort the mission. End him.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
SCAR
(turns his head away from RATTLER to prevent him overhearing the conversation, speaks slightly quieter)
Sorry, what? He’s already here. Ready for his cut and shave, he's pre' keen for the plan.
VOICE
(over the phone)
You heard me. Now. Or you’re next. Don’t mess around!
Eetswa lad.
(puts cell-phone down, continues walking)
THE BARBER’S WORKING AREA - DAY
SCAR puts cell-phone on the equipment table, begins preparing razor.
RATTLER is heard humming in the background. (only sound)
SCAR
Close your eyes now Rattler, let’s avoid soap in the eye.
(both laugh/chuckle and RATTLER closes his eyes.)
SCAR will begin moving sharp razor blade towards RATTLER’S throat, before slitting it.
QUICK CUT TO BLACK
Shot List:
Chene Harris
Location Recce and Weather check:
Chene Harris
The weather is perfect for filming on Thursday, 27 February 2020.
Because the filming will be done inside, the weather is not a huge concern (filming downstairs in the underground workshop by the astroturf).
Grace Watson
• natural lighting - create a weird sense of emptiness. just as there is no sound other than humming, no additional lighting as well at certain parts of the scene will highlight the darkness of the situation; it's not a situation one would one to be involved in... dangerous activities, dodgy.
• the workshop is the location - it is very dark and dim - may use some key lighting to illuminate the characters, especially Zach Parratt (as Scar) to reveal how he has the upper hand in the situation, and can kill the opposite character easily.
• second location is the corridor in the school block - here natural lighting will be used to create an image of a dark alleyway/passage that resembles dark activity.
Hunter Look
> Gangsta clothing style, research:
331131-how-to-look-Russian-mafia
Dress-Like-a-Gangsta
Black, dark navy blue, red, baggy and oversized, gangsta-styled clothing will be used to reveal how the characters live dangerous lives and are involved in shady business.
- Tattoos (each actor will have a fake tattoo drawn on beforehand).
> Razor:
The razor will be used as the murder weapon, representing death and murder - brutal... murdering someone with a razor!?
> Jug of water:
for the barber's scissors.
> Barbers equipment:
Instantly reveals that he is a barber.
> Shank and Gun:
When the barber opens his drawer of appliances for 'cutting hair', a shank and gun will be inside it - ironic - symbols of how the barber is dodgy, strange and not safe character. Reveals how he will most probably murder the man 'having a haircut'.
> Character names (gangster):
Link to the website used for a list of gangster names as ideas for our characters.
examples include King, Ice, Cube, Joe, Dagger, Rattler, etc.
https://pairedlife.com/friendship/100-gangster-nicknames
We decided on the names: 'Scar', 'Ice' and 'Rattler' (and 'Joe').
> Fake blood recipe:
- Corn syrup.
- Chocolate sauce.
- Red food coloring.
Props sourcing:
- Hunter Look will source the gun and the shank.
- Chene Harris will source the razor blade through Ethan Scharneck.
- Chene Harris will source the hairdressing equipment such as the bib, towel.
- Grace Watson will source the hair comb, scissors and a gold water flask for the table.
- Each actor will be asked to dress in all black, blue, navy or red clothes, that are baggy.
- Grace Watson will source the permanent marker which will be used to draw the fake tattoos.
- Hunter Look will make fake blood and stain it onto the shank at home.
Talent:
> Zach Parratt as SCAR - the barber. - confirmed
> Hunter Look as ICE - the person on the phone call. - confirmed
> Max Crawford as RATTLER - the person having their hair cut. - confirmed
> Luke Watson as JOE - walks along the corridor alongside Hunter Look (ICE). - confirmed
> Luke Watson as JOE - walks along the corridor alongside Hunter Look (ICE). - confirmed
Film schedule:
Grace WatsonThursday afternoon
• 13:25 - Meet in Media Studies Suite.
• 13:25 - 13:35 - collect equipment and walk down to the dance classroom (shooting location).
• 13:35 - 13:50 - set-up all the equipment (cameras, lights, audio, etc.)
• 13:50 - 14:00 - team brief, talent arrives, inform talent of the brief.
• 14:00 - 14:40 - shoot the scenes involving only Max Crawford (as Rattler) on his own and the in-between, filler shots.
This will include the...
1. [shot 1] mid-shot from the back of Max Crawford (Rattler) as he opens the door.
2. [shot 2] match-on-action shot of him entering the room.
3. [shot 4] over-the-shoulder shot of him looking at his reflection (close-up).
4. [shot 5] mid, track-shot of him walking back toward the chair where he will have his hair cut (side view).
5. [shot 8] close-up of Max Crawford's (Rattler) reaction and beginning of movement when he is motioned to take a seat.
6. [shot 10] close-up of the cell-phone ringing on the table.
7. [shot 16] close-up of Max Crawford's (Rattler) facial response to Zach Parratt (Scar) when told to close his eyes.
• 14:40 - 14:45 - tea break and reviewing filmed shots for correction and assurance.
• 14:45 - 15:20 - shoot the scenes involving Max Crawford (as Rattler) and Zach Parratt (as Scar) together and the shots of Zach Parratt (as Scar) on his own.
This will include the...
1. [shot 3] track shot of Max Crawford (as Rattler) walking towards the mirror, with Zach Parratt's (as Scar) reflection as he prepares the station also visible in the mirror.
2. [shot 6] two-shot of the two men standing opposite each other. {two - three-second shot}.
3. [shot 7] close-up of Zach Parratt (Scar) as he motions for Max Crawford (Rattler) to take a seat.
4. [shot 9] two-shot, again, of Max Crawford (Rattler) taking a seat.
5. [shot 11] close-up of Zach Parratt's (Scar) hand picking up the phone.
6. [ shot 12] two-shot of him behind the chair Max Crawford (Rattler) is seated on, on the call.
7. [shot 13] extreme-close-up of his facial expression and reaction to Hunter Look's (Ice) demand.
8. high-angle-point-of-view shot of him then looking at Max Crawford seated on the chair facing the other way, and then the track to him preparing razor blade for the killing.
9. [shot 14] mid-shot of him (Max Crawford/Rattler visible foreground) closes cell-phone and turning around.
9. [shot 14] mid-shot of him (Max Crawford/Rattler visible foreground) closes cell-phone and turning around.
10. [shot 15] close-up of him telling Max Crawford (Rattler) to close his eyes.
11. [shot 17] wide-shot of him beginning with the razor blade.
12. [shot 18] close-up of the razor blade very near to Max Crawford's (Rattler) skin.
BLACKOUT
BLACKOUT
• 15:20 - 15:30 - make sure that all the footage is satisfactory.
• 15:30 - 15:40 - pack away all the equipment and head up to the corridor in the school block.
• 15:40 - 16:00 - shoot scene of Hunter Look (as Ice) on the phone call and Luke Watson (Joe) walking next to him = mid-shot.
This shot will be taken along the corridor in the school block.
• 16:00 - 16:20 - neatly pack away all of the equipment.
Chene Harris
Thursday Afternoon:
- 14:00 - team brief, talent arrives, inform talent of the brief.
- 14:00 - 14:40 - shoot the scenes involving only Max Crawford (as Rattler) on his own and the in-between, filler shots.
- 14:40 - 14:45 - tea break and reviewing filmed shots for correction and assurance.
- 14:45 - 15:20 - shoot the scenes involving Max Crawford (as Rattler) and Zach Parratt (as Scar) together and the shots of Zach Parratt (as Scar) on his own.
- 15:20 - 15:30 - make sure that all the footage is satisfactory.
- 15:30 - 15:40 - pack away all the equipment and head up to the corridor in the school block.
- 15:40 - 16:00 - shoot scene of Hunter Look (as Ice) on the phone call and Luke Watson (Joe) walking next to him = mid-shot. This shot will be taken along the corridor in the school block.
- 16:00 - 16:20 - neatly pack away all of the equipment.
- 16:20 - Done.
